THE Liberal Democrats seized control of two Halton wards in the local council elections last week.

Although Labour retained overall control of the council, the Lib Dems gained two wards in Runcorn - Halton Brook and Castlefields.

The biggest surprise of the election was the defeat of Arthur Cole, who had been Labour councillor for the Castle-fields ward for 35 years.

He was due to become deputy mayor next year but was defeated by three votes.

His seat was taken by Liberal Democrat Peter Blackmore, who criticised Labour for its 'arrogance and complacency'.

He said: 'I think Labour think people will just vote for them no matter what, and that they can make decisions to the detriment of voters without a second thought. It's the arrogance of Tony Blair's administration that people are protesting about.'

Mr Cole also feels national issues were to blame for his defeat, saying: 'I'm extremely disappointed.

There's been a multi-million pound regeneration programme in Castlefields, such as the extensive work done on Phoenix Park, but I think we've fallen due to national politics with a backlash against Labour at all levels.

'It's upsetting not to be representing a ward I've stood for since 1972, but I'm not planning to stand again.'

In a second blow for Labour, Lib-Dem candidate Bob Bryant defeated Allan Massey by 211 votes to gain control of Halton Brook.

Cllr Bryant, chairman of the Let's Go Stroke Club, had campaigned against the transfer of emergency services from Halton Hospital to Warrington, taking on Alan Massey, who is chair of the North Cheshire Hospital Trust which runs both hospitals.

Mr Bryant said: 'I'm over the moon. Over 20,000 people signed petitions against the transfer of services to Warrington and this is a measure of payback for them.

'I'm going to continue the fight to retain decent services at Halton hospital.'

Council leader Tony McDermott admitted the loss of the two wards was a blow, but thought it could have been a lot worse.

'In general I'm very happy with the outcome as we've maintained a clear majority over the other parties.

'In light of the swing against us nationally we've done well to hold our own.'

He also paid tribute to his outgoing colleagues: 'Credit to Alan Massey, but special tribute has to go to Arthur Cole who has been on the council for decades and has lost in the cruellest way.'